Excuse me. It's just my prosthesis.
-- Veronica (chapter 2 paragraph 2)

Importance: The author wants to show Veronica's eccentricities and sense of humor by relating an instance when one of the shoulder pads in her blouse slips out of place. When someone comments on it, she does not miss a beat and apologizes for her prosthetic. Of course, she does not have a prosthetic, but she enjoys keeping people off guard a little bit and delights in this type of humor.

Stafford's voice is darker and sadder," he said. "But it's warmer too. She holds the song in her voice. Day's voice is sweet, but it's heartless--she doesn't hold it; she touches it and lets go--she doesn't mean it! Stafford is a lover; Day is a flirt--but what a cute flirt!
-- Mr. Owen (chapter 2 paragraph 2)

Importance: Mr. Owen is not a man who shares his feelings easily, but he communicates through his music choices. When he compares Jo Stafford with Doris...